An unprecedented final championship game for Cuban baseball, April 4. José Antonio Huelga Stadium in Sancti Spíritus, a neutral site, an empty bubble. In front of the television sets, thousands of shared emotions. A ninth inning to test our nerves. Game sixth between the Matanzas Crocodiles and Granma’s Stallions tied five runs. Bases loaded. Key hit off the bat of young Alazan Guillermo García, and then... Granma Champion!
Thus the long delayed play-offs of Cuba’s 60th National Baseball Series came to a close, with Carlos Martí’s boys taking the title for the third time in five years. A team that, against all odds, made the field their own, confirming the concept that everyone counts, even if there are some players who, in the end, make a critical contribution to the victory: Alexquemer's arm in the outfield; the spark of the Santos cousins (Raico and Roel) stealing bases and batting in runs; the powerful swing of rookie Guillermito (decisive on this Sunday); Prieto's precision as catcher at home plate; and the moral leadership of Benítez; the postseason debut of Abreu and Milán; and Blanco’s spectacular season on the pitcher’s mound, with the vital support of Leandro Martínez, Carlos Santana, César García, Yoel Mogena, Miguel Paradelo...
"We dedicate this victory to the founder of the Cuban sports movement, Comandante en jefe Fidel Castro, and to all Granma fans," stated veteran manager Carlos Martí, with tears in his eyes and a smile clearly apparent behind his facemask; while, across Granma, an entire people despite the distance imposed by COVID-19, celebrated on balconies and porches, the title that certifies, once again: Granma Champion!
